Ukraine has leveled serious accusations against the United States, alleging that Washington is indirectly assisting Russia by failing to provide early warnings for incoming missile strikes and by restricting Starlink satellite internet access. These satellite systems are considered vital for Kiev’s ongoing battlefield drone operations.
The diplomatic tensions follow two consecutive nights of ballistic missile attacks targeting the capital, Kiev. During these strikes, air-raid sirens failed to sound before the impacts, which resulted in 15 deaths nationwide and caused damage to power plants across Kharkiv, Zhytomyr, Sumy, and Chernihiv. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has denounced the intelligence blackout as completely unjust, warning that Moscow is demonstrating ostentatious disrespect toward the United States by violating a supposed energy ceasefire previously announced by President Donald Trump.
Regarding the connectivity issues, Zelenskyy made a direct appeal to billionaire Elon Musk to restore full service for Starlink terminals. In an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, the Ukrainian leader stated, "I hope that it's a mistake, maybe huge technical problem. I don't know, but we are asking to do it, to switch (it) on." Zelenskyy also confirmed his feelings of betrayal regarding Washington’s recent diesel pact with Moscow, noting, "It's painful when President Trump chooses one side, not our side."
Ukrainian defense officials reported that Starlink terminals were throttled when drones exceeded speeds of 160 km/h—and in some instances 80 km/h—which crippled the military's ability to target Russian-held positions or intercept Shahed drones. Elon Musk responded by clarifying that any disruptions were the direct responsibility of the US government rather than SpaceX, distinguishing between civilian equipment and military Starshield hardware. "Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and ultimately POTUS," Musk wrote on X.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed that connectivity for speeds up to 160 km/h is being restored, though he maintained that removing Starshield’s speed limits entirely remains critical for Ukraine’s defense. Meanwhile, Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev in Moscow confirmed that contracts to supply diesel to the US are expected to be finalized within days.
